A RANGERS fan died in Lisbon following last night’s Europa League match with Benfica.
The club confirmed supporter Thomas McAllister, 25, passed away in a “tragic incident” which “hit everyone hard”.
The circumstances of his his death are not known.
Before the match, Thomas – understood to be a dad of two young children – shared a picture on Facebook with two pals alongside the caption: “Ma brothers”.
In a statement today, chief executive James Bisgrove said: “On behalf of the club, I want to pass on my sincere condolences to Thomas’ loved ones, family and his friends.
“This news has hit everyone at the club extremely hard, as I am sure it will all of our supporters. Nobody should ever go to a football match and not return home.
“The club stands ready to assist Thomas’ family in whichever way we can in the coming days and weeks.”
Rangers says it is in “constant contact” with both Portuguese and British authorities.
An FCDO spokesman said: “We are providing consular assistance to the family of a British man who has died in Lisbon, and are in contact with Portuguese authorities.”
Tributes flooded in on social media for Thomas following the news.
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One person wrote: “Aww Tam, what a boy. You will be so missed.”
Another said: “No one should go to a match and never return.”
A third added: “Rest easy Tam, such a lovely boy.”
A fourth put: “Rest in peace, you will be among some of the great Bears up there. Thoughts to all the family.”
A fifth added: “Life just isn’t fair. Rest easy Tam, you are one of a kind.”
Another person wrote: “A cheeky, funny amazing character.”
Rangers fought out a 2-2 draw with Benfica in Lisbon last night.
Shocking footage widely shared on social media shows fights breaking out in the tiered seating of the Estadio de Luz.
The pre-match build-up to the game had already been marred by ugly scenes in the streets of Lisbon as fighting broke out between Gers and fans from ITALY.
Atalanta were in town to face Sporting Lisbon and the two visiting supports clashed on Wednesday night.
A group of ultras from the Bergamo-based Serie A side swooped and attacked a group of Gers fans who were in the Eden Aparthotel in the city.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
